Free Republic

People who voted for Brexit tended to be less clever, new research shows, in findings that also shed light on the appeal of EU populists, such as Dutch politician Geert Wilders. Some 73% of people in the smartest top 10% of the British population voted to stay in the EU back in 2016, according to a fresh study by the University of Bath in the UK. Just 40% of those at the other end of the spectrum (the least-smart 10%) voted to remain. And even in couples — where people had a similar age, education, income-level, and cultural background —...

Russian mercenaries have taken command of at least one EU-trained battalion in the Central African Republic (CAR) to help "predate" the mineral-rich country, according to a leaked report. "Today, most deployed FACA units are operating under direct command or supervision by WG mercenaries. WG has also established a solid influence on the FACA general staff and other government institutions," the EU foreign service's report, dated 15 November and seen by EUobserver, said. FACA refers to the Forces Armées centrafricaines, CAR president Faustin-Archange Touadéra's main army of some 12,500 men. WG stands for Wagner Group, a Kremlin-linked paramilitary force. EU military...

Most EU countries, including Hungary, have voiced solidarity with LGBTIQ protesters in Georgia after a violent mob halted their Pride march on Monday (4 July). “We condemn today’s violent attacks on the civic activists, community members, and journalists, as well as the failure of the government leaders and religious officials to condemn this violence,” the EU states’ embassies in Tbilisi said in a joint statement. “Participation in peaceful gatherings is a human right guaranteed by Georgia’s constitution. Violence is simply unacceptable and cannot be excused,” they also said. And they called on those who incited or carried out hate-crimes to...